This is about the self-assessment, the mid-year review, the pay increase discussion – the point at which you have to advocate for yourself. Whichever organisation you work for, and whichever process it follows, there will always be the moment when YOU have the opportunity to talk about yourself, your achievements and the value you bring to your organisation.
Let’s start with a quick test: grab a piece of paper and write down ten sentences that describe your achievements in the last 6-12 months.
Have you started writing yet? How many cups of coffee have you made? Have you in fact given up and skipped to read on? If you are finding it difficult, try this. Think of someone that you work with and know well and write down 10 sentences that describe their achievements in the last 6-12 months. Easier?
Many people find it hard to talk/write about themselves and their achievements but ask them to do the same for someone else and they find it much easier.
If you recognise this behaviour, consider these six lessons:
Lesson 1:
Recognise that in situations where it matters most, you are likely to be underselling yourself.
Lesson 2:
Ask someone you trust and whose opinion you value to do the above exercise for you. I guarantee you will have gained powerful insights into how you are valued and will also have more compelling language to use when it comes to that all-important review.
Lesson 3:
Don’t assume that those you work for will be aware of the great job you are doing, that they will attribute the success of a project to all your hard work and long hours. They won’t because the only person truly interested in your career is you.
On which basis keep a Success Journal. Start today – jot down all of your recent successes, the projects you have been involved in, the sales you have made, the clients you have won – in a few weeks/months from now they will be harder to recall and at worst you may even forget them. Set yourself a reminder to update it every few weeks – it’s your career.
Lesson 4:
Use opportunities throughout the year to talk about your successes. Practice hearing yourself talk about yourself. This isn’t bragging. You need to find a way that feels comfortable for you and if you are still thinking about holding back, be aware that your peers are doing it (the playing field isn’t level). If it helps, start with third party feedback. You’ve made a brilliant sale, completed a successful project – email those involved and give feedback. You will be surprised at the feedback you receive in return and you can then use that to talk for you.
Lesson 5:
Don’t forget that any assessment of you, particularly one involving a promotion, should take account of not only your achievements but also your potential, particularly when it comes to consideration for leadership positions. The traits assessed for potential are curiosity, determination, engagement and insight. Ensure you highlight the strength of your potential along with your achievements.
Lesson 6:
Prepare, prepare, prepare. The more you have thought through what you are going to say, the more confidently you will come across and the more brain power you will be able to use in your year-end review/promotion meeting. You need to stay in control of both the meeting and your emotions, a brain that is less stressed because it is better prepared will be able to slow things down, as well as have time to think during the meeting.
THE ABILITY TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF IS VITAL AND IS A SKILL
YOU WILL MAKE USE OF AT EVERY STAGE OF YOUR CAREER.
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